A toddler in Rajasthan’s Kota is at the centre of a police investigation after her family alleged that she was sexually assaulted at a play school. The case comes amid a wider concern over crimes against children in India. The NCRB’s Crime in India 2024 report recorded 1,87,702 cases of crimes against children in 2024, nearly 6% higher than the previous year. Of these, 64,966 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Kota case came to light after the child developed abdominal pain and was taken for medical treatment.
How It Started?
According to the complaint, the girl, aged two years and nine months, had been attending a private play school in Kota for around three months.
On 30 August, she complained of abdominal pain. Her family initially sought treatment, but the problem did not improve.
On 3 September, they took her to a woman doctor. During the examination, the doctor reportedly noticed marks and injuries around the child’s private parts, raising a suspicion of sexual abuse.
The family then approached the police.
The child was subsequently taken to JK Lone Hospital, where she underwent a medical examination. Samples collected from her were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further examination. Police said the initial medical findings were inconclusive.
What Did The Toddler Say
Because of her age, the toddler could not clearly explain what had happened.
Her mother told police that the child repeatedly used two words, “uncle” and “finger”.
The family also alleged that the child appeared frightened when she was brought before school staff, particularly a sweeper, and clung to her mother.
Police have treated the family’s account as part of the investigation, but have not concluded who was responsible.
Kota City Superintendent of Police Tejeshwani Gautam said the FIR was registered after considering the mother’s statement.
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Police Are Checking Staff, DNA And CCTV
Police have registered a case against an unidentified person under the POCSO Act and other applicable provisions.
Investigators have collected DNA samples from male staff members at the play school as well as other people who came into contact with the child. Reports on the exact number vary, with local reports putting the number at around 11 people.
Police and forensic teams are also examining CCTV footage from the school and surrounding areas.
According to the police, footage covering the previous 10 days has been checked so far, but investigators have not found suspicious activity that establishes what happened.
The investigation is being handled by the Women Harassment Investigation Cell, with ASP Mukesh Sankhla leading the probe, according to local reports. Police have said further action will depend on the medical, FSL and DNA findings.
As of 9 September, no accused had been publicly identified or arrested in connection with the case.
What Does The School Say?
The investigation has so far focused on people who may have had contact with the child at the play school.
However, no detailed public statement from the school management addressing the allegations has been made.
Police have not said that any particular school employee is responsible. The collection of DNA samples is part of the investigation and does not by itself establish guilt.
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What Happens Next?
Police are examining CCTV footage and DNA samples collected during the investigation. The medical and FSL reports will be important in determining whether the allegation can be substantiated and whether a person can be identified.
For now, no accused has been publicly identified or arrested. The investigation will determine what happened and whether there is enough evidence for further legal action.
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TL;DR | News At a Glance
What happened in Kota?
A two-year-nine-month-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted at a private play school in Kota, Rajasthan.
When did the family report it?
The child developed abdominal pain on 30 August and was taken to a doctor on 3 September, who raised concerns about possible sexual abuse.
What did the toddler reportedly say?
The child repeatedly used the words “uncle” and “finger”, according to her mother.
What has the police done?
Police registered a POCSO FIR against an unidentified person, collected DNA samples from male school staff and others, and are examining CCTV footage.
Has anyone been arrested?
No accused had been publicly identified or arrested as of 9 September. The investigation is ongoing.
What happens next?
Police are awaiting forensic, medical and DNA reports to establish what happened and identify any person responsible.
